Safety of mines 'non negotiable': Piyush Goyal to CIL, units

NEW DELHI: Asserting that safety of mines is "non negotiable", Coal and Power Minister Piyush Goyal has asked Coal India Ltd and its units to implement concrete steps to minimise accidents.

"All coal companies should initiate concrete steps for achieving zero harm potential in their mines. A team of young engineers in each company should be formed to make a thorough analysis of accidents and accident prone areas in consultation with all the stake holders," Goyal has asked CIL and its subsidiaries.

As per the minutes of the meeting of Standing Committee on Safety in Coal Mines, the minister said there is a need for synergic approach towards finding optimal solution for better mine safety.

The development assumes significance as CIL is mandated to double its production to 1 billion tonne by 2020.

Appreciating a proposal for using Ambulance Helicopter in case of mine disaster for fast evacuation of the injured persons, the Minister stressed that worker's safety should be ensured through imparting proper training and reducing their fatigue level.

Goyal suggested that apart from productivity, all employees should be effectively sensitised in order to enhance the overall safety and productivity.

He also advised all coal companies to make thorough assessment of the requirement of the safety items and to formulate time bound action plan for procurement in regards to achieving "Zero Harm Potential (ZHP)".

"Minister directed CIL to prepare a clear roadmap for operation of UG (under ground) mines through detailed study on their techno-economic viability with special reference to reorganisation of UG dominated subsidiaries such as ECL, BCCL and WCL," the minutes said.